Four Democratic AG candidates' records go on trial in first TV debate

Rhode Island’s four Democratic candidates for attorney general went head-to-head Tuesday night in their first televised debate, ahead of the Sept. 9 Democratic primary, with early voting starting Aug. 20. Moderators from WPRI 12 questioned how each candidate’s record fits the role of an office responsible for felony prosecutions in the state, which differs from most states. The debate took place in a classroom at Roger Williams University School of Law in Bristol, configured as a mock appellate courtroom. Candidates discussed experience and strategy, including former Assistant Attorney General Keith Hoffmann defending his limited trial background and noting an endorsement from outgoing AG Peter Neronha. Kim Ahern faced questions about a 2017 murder trial that ended in a mistrial after a judge faulted her and another prosecutor for failures to disclose evidence.